Actor and all-round legend Stephen Fry took to Twitter the other day to support First Fortnight, an Irish creative arts festival aimed at challenging the stigma associated with mental health.
The host of BBC's QI has spoken publicly before about his own battles with mental health issues, and appealed to his army of online followers to “show support for Ireland's @firstfortnight mental health arts fest. Let's break the stigma.”
First Fortnight were of course chuffed to bits to get a shout-out from the most esteemed and noted celebrity speaking out about this issue. Their Co-Director David Keegan had this to say:
"We're delighted with Stephens endorsement particularly given how highly regarded he is internationally as a mental health activist. The media attention and public support has been humbling this year, which has been important in helping First Fortnight achieve its aim of challenging stigma and encouraging useful conversation."
First Fortnight are getting ready to wrap up tomorrow, after a very successful festival this year, which saw them hosting a range of creative arts shows, including the open-air event Happy Clouds, where artist Stuart Semple floated smiley faced bubble clouds all round Dublin and the one-man show The Year of Magical Wanking, which offered a frank and raw look inside the mind of someone suffering from internet porn addiction and destructive sexual behaviour. Importantly, the festival ranged from mood-boosting creative therapy sessions to no-holds-barred spotlights on subjects often brushed away out of sight in Irish society.
To finish off in style, the festival will be hosting their Big Gig tomorrow night in The Button Factory in association with SpunOut.ie. Twin sister duo the Heathers will be headlining, joined by Vann Music, Come On Live Long and The Academic. To book your tickets for this gig and show your support for a very important festival, just go ahead and click the button below: